This delicious Quick and Easy Harissa Lentil Stew comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the vegetables or throw in whatever you have on hand to suit your taste, making it a fantastic ‘clean out the fridge’ dish! Trust me, when life gets busy, this hearty stew will be your best friend.
Ingredient Breakdown
- 1 Cup Red Lentils
- 1 Can Coconut Milk
- 1 Onion, Chopped
- 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
- 1 Bell Pepper, Chopped
- 2 Carrots, Diced
- 2 Cups Vegetable Broth
- 2 Tablespoons Harissa Paste
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
- Fresh Herbs for Garnish (Optional)
- Crusty Bread for Serving
How to Make Harissa Lentil Stew
In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant (about 3 minutes). The smell is going to be amazing; just wait for it!
Stir in the diced bell pepper and carrots, cooking for a few more minutes until they start to soften (about 4-5 minutes). You want them to get a bit tender but still have that lovely bite to them.
Stir in the red lentils, harissa paste, and the vegetable broth, mixing well. Trust me, this is where it all starts to come together!
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender. You’ll see it thicken up and become soul-warming.
Once the lentils are ready, stir in the coconut milk and season with salt and pepper to taste. Ah, this is the moment when your stew goes from good to outstanding!
Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot with crusty bread. Enjoy every single spoonful!
Why I Love This Recipe
This harissa lentil stew is my absolute go-to recipe when I need something comforting but don’t have a ton of time. Seriously, when the craziness of life kicks in, this dish always delivers! It’s cozy, warm, and just feels like a hug in a bowl. My family loves it, and I love how I can switch things up based on what’s in my pantry. You can use whatever you’ve got on hand! Plus, the spice level is totally in your control, so it’s great for picky eaters too.
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Pea Soup, my Creamy Asparagus Soup, or my Hearty Comforting Ham & Bean Soup!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This stew comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a weeknight lifesaver! Whether you’re juggling homework with dinner prep or just craving something comforting, you’ll have this delicious bowl ready before you know it.
One Pot
The best part? It’s all made in one pot! Less cleanup means you get more time to relax on the couch with your family or dig into Netflix.
Budget-Friendly
With pantry staples and inexpensive ingredients like lentils and broth, this stew is not only easy but also very friendly on the wallet. You can throw in whatever veggies are about to go bad, minimizing food waste while nourishing your family.
Customizable
You can totally make this stew your own! Switch up the veggies based on your family’s favorites or whatever’s in your fridge. Want to add some greens? Toss in spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost!
Comfort Food
Loaded with tons of flavor and that creamy texture from coconut milk, this stew is the definition of comfort food! Seriously, one bowl and it’s like all your worries are washed away.
Serving and Storage Tips
What to Serve With This
This harissa lentil stew is perfect on its own, but why not amp it up with some slices of crusty bread or crusty baguettes? Dipping that bread in is the best part! You could also serve it over a bed of steaming quinoa or rice for a complete meal.
Refrigerator Storage
Leftovers will keep fabulously in the fridge for about 4-5 days. Just make sure to let the stew cool, then store it in an airtight container.
Reheating Instructions
For reheating, the stove is best, just place it in a saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until warmed through. You might need to add a splash of broth or water if it thickens up too much. Microwaving works too but do it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to warm it evenly!
Freezer-Friendly
Yes, it’s freezer friendly! Portion it out in freezer-safe containers after it cools completely. It will last for about 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, or you can directly reheat from frozen in a pot over low heat, just be sure to add a bit of liquid to help it along.
Final Thoughts
Harissa Lentil Stew is, without a doubt, your new favorite comfort dish that’ll keep you coming back for more. With its minimal prep, awesome flavors, and the flexibility to change it up based on what you have, it’s destined to become a weeknight meal staple in your home. So go ahead, make this tonight, and you might just have some incredible leftovers for lunch tomorrow. You won’t regret it!
And remember, there’s beauty in the imperfections of home cooking. Every time you make this stew, it might taste a little different, and that’s perfectly okay! Enjoy the journey in the kitchen, and most importantly, eat what makes you happy! Follow LunaChef on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration and air fryer cooking tips
Harissa Lentil Stew
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in the diced bell pepper and carrots, cooking for a few more minutes until they start to soften (about 4-5 minutes).
- Stir in the red lentils, harissa paste, and the vegetable broth, mixing well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender.
- Once the lentils are ready, stir in the coconut milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot with crusty bread.